Cristiano Ronaldo was left in awe after scoring a sensational “NBA-style” winning header when Juventus emerged as 2-1 victors away to Sampdoria on Wednesday.
“I’m very happy with the result. It’s been a very difficult match against a Sampdoria team who played well. We managed to do even better and deservedly got this victory.
“The team played with a great attitude. The goal was great, especially because it was decisive for winning the three points. I didn’t know I was up (in the air) so long.”
The Bianconeri temporarily moved three points clear at the top of Serie A after Ronaldo achieved incredible hang time in the air to convert at the back post and clinch maximum spoils.
Ronaldo, 34, scored his 10th Serie A goal of the campaign just before half-time, and he told Sky Sport Italia (h/t AS) even he was surprised at how long he remained airborne:
Paulo Dybala put the visitors ahead with his volleyed goal at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, and Ronaldo helped take three points after Gianluca Caprari capitalised on poor Juventus defending:
Ronaldo might have looked to his athletic peers in the NBA for improvement:
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored in each of Juve’s last four league games (five goals), and Maurizio Sarri’s side would be five points worse off from those fixtures without his involvement.